Derrick Rose Helps Bring Pizza Chain Back From Brink of Bankruptcy

A new report says Derrick Rose’s investment has brought a local Chicago pizza chain back from the brink of bankruptcy, helped reinvigorate revenue — and sparked unprecedented site expansion.

Giordano’s Pizza is a 39-year-old company, purchased by the firm Victory Park Capital Advisors LLC last November for $52 million, and is on track for nearly $100 million in sales this year, according to its CEO.

“The 39-year-old company, which was purchased by Chicago private-equity firm Victory Park Capital Advisors LLC in November for $52 million, is profitable and on track to generate nearly $100 million in sales this year,” says CEO Yorgo Koutsogiorgas. He adds that “Giordano’s has experienced double-digit percentage revenue growth each of the last two years,” writes Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business.

“We have seen an immense uptick in our sales for the last year and a half, which coincides to a degree with the announcement of his ownership with Giordano’s,” said CEO Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, according to the report.

“With a recent cash infusion from its new owners and a revamped menu with more health-conscious fare, Giordano’s will soon expand beyond its 43 locations (40 of which are in Illinois, three in the Orlando, Fla., area).”